Note: This list is updated for winter 2017. Fly safely and responsibly, folks. Never flown before? Learn to fly for free over here. Need to get your FAA commercial drone certificate? Start studying over here.
Trying to find the right drone to buy?
We’ve spent hours testing and researching the top UAVs and quadcopters out there, and we’re happy to say we’ve narrowed it down to a select few.
This article lists of some of the best remote control (RC) drones for sale on the market right now. Whether you’re looking for a cheap indoor flyer or a professional rig for aerial videography, we’re confident you’ll find a quality drone on this list that will meet your needs.
Want to skip the details and go straight to the list itself? No problem:
DJI Phantom 3 Standard
Parrot BeBop 2.0
UDI U818A Wifi FPV Drone with Altitude Hold and HD Camera
UDI U45 Blue Jay FPV Drone
Parrot AR Drone 2.0
DJI Phantom 4
DJI Inspire 1 V2.0
Yuneec Typhoon H
DJI Phantom 3 (Professional)
Walkera Runner 250 Pro
ARRIS FPV 250 Racing Drone with Flight Controller
SYMA X5C Explorers
Blade Nano QX RTF Quadcopter
Hubsan X4 (H107L)
Cheerson CX-10 Mini
“RC drones” can mean many things (cars, boats, planes, etc) but this article focuses on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Why?
Because they’re awesome! (And they’re our specialty ;).)
We’ve categorized this list by type of remote control drone for sale. You can use the following links to navigate to each section (or just scroll down to start from the beginning):
Camera Drones
Professional Drones
FPV Racers
Indoor Flyers
Read on to find out which sUAS is right for you:
Note: All specs/features come from either the manufacturer or retailer.
Note #2: When checking out prices, we’ve included models available for sale on Amazon, one of the largest and most respectable online drone retailers. We do our best to keep these listings up-to-date on a regular basis, but if you see something we missed, let us know at support@uavcoach.com.
Note #3: Big thanks to USA Toyz, who sent us a few of the models on this list to test and review. USA Toyz is a U.S. based company that sells through Amazon. Unlike many of their non-U.S. counterparts, they offer quality customer service, user manuals you can actually understand, and good business ethics.
Beginner Camera Drones
The following drones are excellent for taking aerial video and images.
They offer stable handling, quality cameras, and some advanced features pilots want in a quality drone with a camera.
1. DJI Phantom 3 Standard
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DJI is one of the industry’s top drone manufacturers for a reason: They’ve created a standard for consistent, high quality multicopters that both recreational and commercial pilots love flying.
The DJI Phantom 3 Standard is one of four models in DJI’s Phantom 3 line. (The other three are the Advanced, 4K, and Professional.)
With a range of over half a mile and crystal clear live video streaming over Wi-Fi to your mobile device on the free DJI Go app, the Phantom 3 Standard delivers sophisticated functionality with a simple learning curve and an accessible price point. At 25 minutes, the P3 Standard actually has a slightly longer flight time than the P3 Advanced, but control distance is capped at 1,000m (compared to the Advanced’s 5km).
Pro Tip: Buy an extra battery to add more flight time to your sessions.
The Phantom 4K is the next level up. The 4K offers an upgraded 4K video capture and 25 minutes of flight time. Control distance is capped at 1200m.
Finally, the Phantom 3 Professional offers 4K video, 23 minutes of flight, and a 5km control distance. This is the second highest level version.
DJI also recently released the Phantom 4 Pro, an upgraded version of the Phantom 3 series with an obstacle avoidance system.
All of these versions are solid rigs and they’re ranked #1 in this list of drones, but the DJI Phantom 3 Standard is equally balanced on all fronts, making it a great camera drone for recreational and commercial pilots.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the DJI Phantom 3 Standard:
→ Extra Battery
→ Extra Propellers (2 Pairs)
→ 64 GB MicroSD Memory Card
→ DJI Phantom 3 Propeller Guard
→ DJI Phantom 3 Camera Lens Protector + Cover
→ Remote Controller Strap
→ DJI Phantom 3 Carrying Backpack
Features and Specs
2.7K video and 12MP stills from the 3-axis stabilized integrated camera makes the Phantom 3 Standard a strong value
View a live image streamed from the drone up to a half mile away on the free DJI Go app using your mobile phone or tablet
GPS assisted flight features let you concentrate on getting great images while the drone helps you fly safely. You can achieve advanced camera perspectives with the Point of Interest, Follow Me and Waypoints modes (pending app feature availability)
Fly up to 25 minutes with the included intelligent battery
A range of accessories is included: 1 battery and charger, 2 full sets of propellers, radio controller, 8GB micro SD card
2. Parrot Bebop 2.0
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The Parrot Bebop 2.0 is Parrot’s upgraded version of the popular original Bebop drone.
The Bebop 2.0 is one of the top all around drones for sale with a camera. The 2.0 offers a whopping 14 megapixel full HD 1080p image and video capture, and the camera gives you a 186-degree field of view.
Full-digital image stabilization technology allows you to take stable and clear aerial footage regardless of the Bebop drone’s movements. The lens is also splash and dust proof.
Their Freeflight 3 mobile app also lets you control the quadcopter, adjust settings, and take pictures/videos straight from your mobile device.
Check out Parrot’s second version of the Bebop drone for a great all-around photography/videography UAV experience.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Parrot BeBop 2.0:
→ Extra Battery Pack
→ Extra Propellers
→ Bebop 2.0 Carrying Case
Features
Can fly at up to 38 mph
14 megapixel full HD 1080p camera
Rear flash LED for better visibility
Equipped with powerful motors for flight in greater altitudes
Compatible with the Freeflight 3 mobile app
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Gyro: 3-Axis
Size: 15 x 12.9 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Charging time:
Flight time: 25 minutes
Control distance
3. U818A Wifi FPV Drone with Altitude Hold and HD Camera
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UDI is a highly reputable and affordable sUAS manufacturer that’s been constantly upgrading their training / beginner drone models over the last couple of years.
This model, the U818A, boasts altitude-hold and a first-person-view (FPV) screen, so you can see exactly what the HD camera of your drone sees…in real time. Great practice for those of you looking to get into FPV racing.
But that’s not all! You also get bonus VR goggles, an extra battery, extra propellers, AND and a bonus power bank for additional charging.
Box Contents:
1 U818W
1 Controller
2 Batteries
1 USB Battery Charger
1 SC Card reader
1 4GB SD card
4 Spare Blades
1 Spanner
1 Manual
The HD camera can capture 720P video at 30 frames per second (with an SD card). This is one of the most popular training quadcopters on the market, and I like this particular package because it comes with an extra battery.
The LCD screen on its transmitter displays a full range of flight stats to keep you in the know. Its light but durable frame makes it a great quad for new pilots to practice with.
Extras
These extra parts are available for the the U818A:
U818A Drone Carrying Case
3 Extra Batteries
1-to-6 Battery Charger
Extra Propellers
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Features
Forward-facing camera takes HD video and HD photos with color and white balance
Movie resolution upgraded to 1280 * 720 at 30 frames per second
FPV and VR headset compatibility
Removable Micro-SD (TF) card stores enough for several flights
Data port and USB Data Cable – upload your new AVI and JPEG files to Facebook, Email, Photoshop LCD radio controller
LCD screen displays full flight status
Extra battery to double your flight time
Photo Button snaps pictures, Video Button starts & stops video recording
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Size: 13.4 x 13.0 x 2.2 in
Weight: 1 pounds
Charging time: about 90-120 minutes
Flying time: about 8-10 minutes
4. UDI U45 Blue Jay WiFi FPV Drone with HD Camera
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UDI is one of the top manufacturers of quality RC drones at affordable prices. The UDI U45 Blue Jay is one of them.
One of the big upgrades with the Blue Jay is “Altitude Hold,” which gives you the ability to take your left thumb off the throttle and to have the drone hover at the same altitude. This makes controlling the drone a LOT easier for beginners and those looking to truly master multirotor orientation. You also get a one-touch take off and landing, and a custom route mode that allows you to trace your desired flight path on your phone or tablet screen. In the past, these features were reserved for higher end RC drones, but now we’re starting to see them in the $50 to $150 range.
The UDI U45 Blue Jay wouldn’t be a camera drone without an HD camera to capture 720p high definition aerial photos and 2MP video. Camera can be synced to controller.
For less than $170, this drone is an excellent choice for aspiring videographers.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the UDI U45 Blue Jay:
→ Extra Battery (to extend your flight sessions)
→ Extra Propellers
→ 1 to 3 Battery Charger
→ UDI U842 Landing Gear
Features
HD Camera allows you to take high-res pics & video during flight. Includes 2MP camera with upgraded 4GB Micro SD.
Headless mode eliminates need to adjust aircraft position before flight & improves learning curve.
Return Home function—one key to return your aircraft makes it easy to find the way home
Ready to fly out of the box
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Gyro: 6-Axis
Size: 11 x 18 x 3.8 inches
Weight: .5 pounds
Flight time: 8 minutes
Control distance: 80m
5. Parrot AR Drone 2.0
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In 2014 and 2015, the Parrot AR Drone line was one of the most prolific RC drones on the market. Using their FreeFlight app, you can choose to pilot this camera drone entirely using your smartphone or tablet, or you can fly it with a traditional dual-joystick controller or first-person view system.
720p HD video can be streamed directly to your smartphone, and while you’ve got the app open, you’ll be able to read things like your altitude, speed, and battery level.
Key Specs
Camera Resolution: 2MP
Video Resolution: 720p at 30 FPS
Max Flight Time: 12 minutes
Notable Attributes: Foam Shell, Good For Beginners
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Parrot AR Drone 2.0 Accessories
Extra Propellers
Extra Battery
The Parrot AR Drone 2.0 sits somewhere between a traditional training quadcopter and an introductory professional system. We chose it for this list because: 1) it’s reasonably priced for a beginner pilot; 2) Parrot is a reputable, French-based company that has been one of the larger global RC manufacturers; and 3) we love the foam frame!
Top Professional Drones
These drones are best for professional pilots who are flying commercially.
They offer top-of-the-line flight capabilities, camera quality, and advanced features to help you get the perfect shot.
6. DJI Phantom 4
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The DJI Phantom 4 launched in March 2016. What are the big improvements from the Phantom 3 series? Better battery life, obstacle avoidance, and a newly designed camera lens.
A lighter magnesium skeleton lets the Phantom 4 stay in the air for up to 28 minutes, an increase in effective flight time of 25% over the Phantom 3 Professional.
Also, a newly designed lens offers crisper, cleaner video.
Key Specs
Camera Resolution: 12MP Adobe DNG RAW
Video Resolution: 4K at 30 FPS / 1080p at 120FPS
Max Flight Time: 28 minutes
Max Speed: 45 mph (20 m/s) in Sport mode
Notable Attributes: Battery Life, Obstacle Avoidance, Flight Modes
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DJI Phantom 4 Accessories
Extra Battery
Battery Charging Hub
Quick-Release Propellers
Lighting Kit
Improvements to the Vision Positioning System (VPS) and front-mounted obstacle sensors help provide greater security and confidence when flying indoors, or with obstacles around.
7. DJI Inspire 1 V2.0
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The DJI Inspire 1 is bigger and offers a full 360° camera rotation, providing an unrestricted view of the world below. It’s 3-axis gimbal and camera system can easily be removed from the aircraft for safe transport and future upgrades.
Because DJI offers different camera systems (like the Zenmuse X3, Zenmuse X5, Zenmuse X5R, Zenmuse XT, etc.), the DJI Inspire 1 is flexible and the kind of model you can grow with over time.
Key Specs
Camera Resolution: 12MP
Video Resolution: 4K at 30 FPS
Max Flight Time: 18 minutes
Max Speed: 49 mph (22 m/s) in ATTI mode, no wind
Notable Attributes: Dual-Operator Mode, Multiple Zenmuse Camera Systems
Buy With One Or Two Controllers
Ever heard of dual-operator mode? The DJI Inspire 1 lets one person fly, and another person control the camera. I’ll tell you this: Once you fly with dual-operator mode, it’s hard to go back to flying solo. Operating sUAS with a talented crew member is really fun.
One Controller
Two Controllers
Hard Case (Go Professional Cases)
Extra Propellers
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DJI Inspire 1 Accessories
Lens Filters (PolarPro
Extra Battery
Deluxe Bundle
If you’re looking for a bigger bird with payload flexibility, 360° camera rotation, and dual-operator mode, the DJI Inspire 1 is a great fit.
8. Yuneec Typhoon H
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If you haven’t heard of Yuneec, you’re missing out on some high-quality aerial camera platforms that may very well be the perfect fit for your recreational (or business) needs.
The Typhoon H comes equipped with six rotors, a 360-degree gimbal camera and retractable landing gear with Yuneec’s standard of being ready out of the box, easy and safe to fly, with stunning Ultra HD 4K video and stills.
Key Specs
Camera Resolution: 12.4MP
Video Resolution: 4K at 30 FPS
Max Flight Time: 25 minutes
Max Speed: 43.5mph (70km/h) in Follow Me mode
Notable Attributes: Hexacopter = better redundancy, Obstacle Avoidance, 360-degree camera
The Typhoon H comes with the Android-based ST16 controller, which has a large 7-inch integrated display and HD 720p first-person-view (FPV) downlink for incredibly clear real-time video reception.
9. DJI Phantom 3 (Professional)
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DJI is a drone manufacturing giant.
Their DJI Phantom 3 series arguably represents the best selling drone models of 2015 and 2016. Within the series, there are four different models: Standard, 4K, Advanced and Professional.
The DJI Phantom 3 Professional is the most sophisticated option in the series, and as the name suggests, was designed for professional pilots.
It offers 4K video, 23 minutes of flight time, and a whopping 5km control distance.
The quadcopter also comes with five advanced flight modes:
Follow Me
Course Lock
Waypoints
Home Lock
Point of Interest
These autonomous modes allow you to focus on camera control and getting the right shot. This makes the DJI Phantom 3 Professional a smart choice for pro pilots.
Key Specs
Camera Resolution: 12MP
Video Resolution: 4K at 30 FPS
Max Flight Time: 23 minutes
Max Speed: 36 mph (18 m/s) in ATTI mode, no wind
Notable Attributes: Older Model = Lower Cost (But Still Quality Aircraft)
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DJI Phantom 3 Professional Accessories
Extra Battery
Extra Propellers (2 Pairs)
64 GB MicroSD Memory Card
DJI Phantom 3 Propeller Guard
DJI Phantom 3 Camera Lens Protector + Cover
Remote Controller Strap
DJI Phantom 3 Hardshell Backpack
If you are on a budget and/or able to sacrifice some of the bells and whistles of the newer systems, the Phantom 3 series offers more affordable pricing but units that still pack a lot of punch.
Top FPV Racers
With the Drone Racing League (and many other FPV leagues) beginning to commercialize the sport, drone FPV racing is starting to take off (literally and figuratively).
As such, some great ready-to-fly racing drones are hitting the market. Here are two of the best:
10. Walkera Runner 250 Pro
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Walkera manufactured one of the most popular RTF FPV racers: The Walkera Runner 250 Pro.
This RC quadcopter features a carbon fiber frame that is ultra-durable and crash resistant. It’s simple to disassemble and reassemble. This allows pilots to customize its features and tune the rig.
The Walkera Runner 250 Pro reaches speeds of up to 21-25 miles per hour, and the Runner 250 Pro is equipped with an 800TVL HD camera for live FPV streaming.
If you’re looking to get into drone FPV racing, this drone is a solid start at a modest price.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Walkera Runner 250 Pro:
→ Extra Propellers (<— smart, because you’ll probably lose/break a bunch of these)
Features
New GPS/GLONASS dual mode satellite positioning system
Carbon fiber structure
Simple to disassemble and re-assemble
Reaches speeds up to 35-40km/h
800TVL HD camera
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Size: 22.5 x 20.5 x 9.2cm
Weight: 1.16 lbs
Charging time: About 120 minutes
Flight time: 12 to 14 minutes
Control distance: 1000m
11. ARRIS FPV 250 Racing Drone with Flight Controller
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<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5734" src="https://i2.wp.com/uavcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ARRIS-FPV-250.png?resize=300%2C293" alt="ARRIS FPV 250" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/uavcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ARRIS-FPV-250.png?resize=300%2C293 300w, https://i2.wp.com/uavcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ARRIS-FPV-250.png?resize=768%2C7